Celia Lacomba, marketing director at ONIX, discusses the recent evolution of glass mosaic in architectural installations
Glass mosaic has evolved significantly in recent years, moving beyond its traditional decorative role to become a high-performance material in contemporary architecture. Its application now spans swimming pools, wellness environments and interior design, where both technical reliability and aesthetic value are essential.
One of the key advantages of glass mosaic lies in its suitability for demanding environments. Its zero-water absorption rate, resistance to chemical agents and ease of maintenance make it particularly effective in pools, spas and other wet areas, where long-term durability is critical.
From a construction perspective, mosaic also offers an important benefit: its ability to accommodate structural movement. Unlike more rigid or large-format materials, which can be prone to cracking, mosaic can adapt to micro-movements without compromising the integrity of the surface. This makes it a reliable choice in projects subject to stress or settlement over time.
From a professional standpoint, mosaic can be understood not only as an aesthetic choice, but as a technical solution that adapts to the natural behaviour of structures over time.
Alongside its technical performance, glass mosaic provides a high degree of design flexibility. Its modular format allows it to be applied across curved and complex geometries, while the wide range of colours and finishes enables designers to create surfaces that contribute to the identity of a space.
Current design trends show a clear preference for natural colours, textured finishes and surfaces that interact subtly with light, particularly in hospitality and wellness environments where atmosphere plays a central role.
Beyond aesthetics, mosaic is increasingly used as a tool for architectural expression. In urban interventions, for example, it can transform functional spaces into immersive environments. A notable case is Onix’s Paris metro project, where glass tesserae is used to recreate the changing tones of the sky across vaulted ceilings, enhancing the user experience through colour and light.
In hospitality projects, mosaic continues to demonstrate its versatility across different contexts. At Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor, it has been used in the renovation of swimming pools to achieve seamless integration with the surrounding Mediterranean landscape. In contrast, the Capella Sydney Hotel uses mosaic in interior wellness areas to reinforce a more contemporary and urban aesthetic.
The growing demand for private pools and wellness spaces, combined with increased attention to sustainability, is also shaping material selection. In this context, glass mosaic, particularly when produced using recycled materials and energy-efficient processes, offers a solution that aligns performance with environmental considerations.
As architecture continues to evolve, materials are expected to meet increasingly complex requirements. Glass mosaic remains relevant not only for its durability and versatility, but also for its ability to contribute to the overall quality and longevity of contemporary projects.
ONIX is a Spanish manufacturer specialising in glass mosaic, produced using 100% recycled glass and fully electric manufacturing processes, with a presence in projects worldwide.
